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The Penguins got the early lead from Jani Rita who threw one to the net and deflected off of Kent Klee’s leg and went in. The devils tied it at 1 in the second period and then in the third Tomas Surovy’s turnover at the Devils blue line resulted in Brian Gionta sniping one past goalie Marc Andre Fleury. In the third period the Pens couldn’t generate any offense and a reason for that was the lazy hooking penalties they still take. Despite the loss this game was still a encouraging sign. Two out of 3 wins against playoff teams can only boost the confidence of these young players and Marc Andre Fleury has benefited the most. Next game Saturday March 18 against the Montreal Canadiens.

Buck’s Penguins Insider.

Ryan Whitney continues to step up his play. Since the olympic break he has played exceptionally well at both ends of the ice. Sergei Gonchar also has improved his play, looks like he is finally getting comfortable. Tomas Surovy needs to start scoring some goals. His main asset is scoring goals, and im really doubting if he is NHL caliber player.

News around the NHL: The league is looking into expanding the playoff format from 16 teams to 20 teams. This is a great idea because in the West this year you are going to have atleast 3 teams that deserve playoff bids and who will be left out. TSN is also reporting that the salary cap will jump up to 46 million next year and the minimum cap will be 30 million. The Penguins will end the season with a payroll of 21 million. So whether they want to or not the Pens will have the cap room to improve this team.

NFL rumors

Deshea Townsend visited with the Patriots yesterday and it’s down to the Patriots and Steelers. The Steelers are also pursuing wide reciever Tim Dwight but not as a #2 reciever. He will be brought in as a punt and kick returner. Expect Quincy Morgan to also end up back in the burgh. Terrel Owens is believed on the verge of signing a deal with the Dallas Cowboys but his agent has denied that. Other teams interested are the Dolphins, Broncos, and KC Chiefs. Defensive end John Abraham met with the Falcons and is close to being traded to the Falcons. The holdup is the Jets want second yr quarterback Matt Schaub. Keyshawn Johnson is wanted by six to 8 teams. The Seahwaks, Panthers, Dolphins, Eagles and Chiefs are in his top 5.

Trade Buzz: Thursday’s 1-for-1 trade of young underperforming players saw the Minnesota Wild acquire center Victor Rask from the Carolina Hurricanes for left winger Nino Niederreiter. Carolina did an excellent job of being able to get out of the Rask contract, who has three years remaining with a $4 million cap hit. Rask has 1 goal, 5 assists on the season, mirrored in a 22-game goal drought. The logic here for Minnesota is taking the chance on a playmaking center who can help fill a top-9 spot longer term if the Wild move on from Eric Staal. Minnesota is also playing the card that a change of scenery will benefit the 24-year old who posted a career-high 21 goals, 48 points in 2015-2016.

Niederreiter’s trade value was stunted because of his contract, where he has three years left on his deal with a $5.25 million cap hit. Niederreiter is a player who is extremely hard to play against, drives possession well, and has three 20 goal seasons over his last four full seasons. Injuries (18 goals in 63 games) kept him from a 4th straight 20-goal season in 17-18. The Niederreiter acquisition also sets up as great insurance for the Hurricanes if they can’t resign Micheal Ferland. In the short-term, Carolina’s center situation is a mess with Jordan Staal sidelined with a concussion, but they’re getting the better player who fits the identity they’re trying to establish upfront, especially on the wings where they’ve identified the need for Patric Hornqvist type players.